A Randomized, Unblinded Trial of Zidovudine Versus ddC in the Treatment of Patients Status Post PCP Who Received Long-Term Zidovudine Therapy in Protocol ACTG 002

This study has been completed.

Sponsor:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:

NCT00000682

First Posted: August 31, 2001

Last Update Posted: March 17, 2014

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

A Randomized, Unblinded Trial of Zidovudine Versus ddC in the Treatment of Patients Status Post PCP Who Received Long-Term Zidovudine Therapy in Protocol ACTG 002

Official Title ICMJE

A Randomized, Unblinded Trial of Zidovudine Versus ddC in the Treatment of Patients Status Post PCP Who Received Long-Term Zidovudine Therapy in Protocol ACTG 002

Brief Summary

To evaluate the efficacy of AZT versus ddC in terms of survival, antiviral effects, neurological status, and health status in patients post Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) who received long-term AZT therapy in ACTG protocol 002 While treatment with AZT has been found to be effective in prolonging survival and reducing the numbers of opportunistic infections in patients with AIDS, during the second year of administration of AZT an acceleration in mortality has been observed. The reasons for this are not known at this time. The study of what may be an AZT-resistant strain of HIV may benefit patients who have been and are still receiving AZT or another drug used in treating HIV ddC. It is hoped that the comparison of the effectiveness of AZT and ddC will benefit in the treatment of these patients.

Detailed Description

While treatment with AZT has been found to be effective in prolonging survival and reducing the numbers of opportunistic infections in patients with AIDS, during the second year of administration of AZT an acceleration in mortality has been observed. The reasons for this are not known at this time. The study of what may be an AZT-resistant strain of HIV may benefit patients who have been and are still receiving AZT or another drug used in treating HIV ddC. It is hoped that the comparison of the effectiveness of AZT and ddC will benefit in the treatment of these patients.

Following tests to evaluate their health, patients are chosen at random to receive either AZT or ddC. AZT is given by mouth at the patients' current dose. ddC is given by mouth every 8 hours. Treatment continues for up to 12 months. Patients are required to visit the clinic every 2 weeks up to week 12 and then once a month. Blood samples are taken to monitor the safety and effectiveness of treatment.

Ganciclovir (DHPG) for maintenance only for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Note: Any approved medications can be used to treat an opportunistic infection. All concurrent medications should be kept to a minimum and recorded.

Patients must be positive for HIV by ELISA test and must have been receiving zidovudine (AZT) therapy for at least 9 months and have received AZT within 90 days prior to entry into the study.

Patients may be transfusion dependent as long as no more than 3 units of blood are needed in a 21-day period and the hemoglobin does not fall below 6.4 g/dl on two consecutive occasions despite the transfusions.